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Secondary Student Handbook
Secondary Student Handbook
Welcome to the DSBN Family!
We are looking forward to working with you and your family to support all
students.
The purpose of this handbook is to give you an understanding of how we support a safe, inclusive, welcoming school culture focused
on student learning. In the following pages, you will see the commitments we make to you and your students. This handbook also
outlines the principles of good citizenship for all members of our educational community.
One of our most important commitments is to open communication between the school and home. If you have any questions about
this handbook, we encourage you to contact the school who will be happy to discuss them with you.
COMMUNICATION
The relationship between parents and the school is a key component of student success. Our staff work hard to foster open
communication with parents. If you have feedback or concerns about your student’s education, we invite you to contact your
student’s teacher as a first point of contact.
We use a variety of tools to provide families and the community with timely information about the school and activities.
These tools may include:
• Governor Simcoe Secondary School webpage at: http://govsimcoe.dsbn.org/
• Twitter @simcoeredcoats and Instagram @simcoe.redcoats and @SimcoeGuidance
• Governor Simcoe’s Electronic sign
• Customized phone messages
BELL TIMES *** Class Schedules and Bell Times will vary due to COVID protocols – information and updates will be shared
with students and families regularly in this regard, and posted on the GSS website.
Period 1 8:10 am – 9:15 am
Period 2 9:20 am – 10:20 am
Period 3 10:25 am – 11:25 am
Lunch 11:25 am – 12:05 pm
Period 4 12:05 pm – 1:05 pm
Period 5 1:10 pm – 2:10 pm
IMPORTANT DATES
Sept 1st, 2nd Professional Development Days
Monday Sept 6th Labour Day – Statutory Holiday
Tuesday Sept 7th First day of school
Thursday Sept 30th Truth & Reconciliation Day
Monday October 11th Thanksgiving Statutory Holiday
Friday November 14th Professional Development Day
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Friday December 24th -Friday Winter Break - Holiday
January 7th
Wednesday January 26th – Semester One Exams
Tuesday February 1st
Wednesday February 2nd Professional Development Day
Friday February 18th Professional Development Day
Monday February 21st Family Day – Statutory Holiday
March 14th – 18th Spring Break – Holiday
Friday April 15th – Monday Easter Break - Holiday
April 18th
Monday May 23rd Victoria Day – Statutory Holiday
Wednesday June 22nd – Semester Two Exams
Tuesday June 28th
Wednesday June 29th & Professional Development Days
Thursday June 30th
PARKING/SAFE DRIVING
Parking and driving on school property are a privileges which may be withdrawn as the result of careless driving. Students MAY NOT
sit in, or socialize, around the cars in the parking lot during the school day, including during the lunch hour.
SCHOOL BUSSES
Students living a distance from the school are provided with bus transportation by the District School Board of Niagara. It is expected
that students will comply with the authority of the school bus driver and the basic rules that are established for the safe riding of
school buses. Students are expected to behave as they would if they were in school. Failure to do so could result in the removal of
bussing privileges.
PICK UP/DROP OFF
Pick up and drop off are some of the busiest times of the day, with many buses, students and parents in our parking lot. The
procedures we have in place are designed to support a safe, smooth and efficient transition for everyone at these critical times.
To support student safety, we ask that you pick-up and drop-off students at the back of the school. Stopping out front of the school
causes many traffic issues that become a barrier to student safety.
SAFE ARRIVAL/ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Our school has an easy method for you to report your student’s absences. With Safe Arrival, you can report daily absences and
schedule absences by doing one of the following:
• Calling the toll-free phone line at 1-866-479-3261
• Logging on to the web portal at www.safearrival.com
• Using your smart phone or tablet. Simply download the School Messenger app
We ask that you report all absences prior to bell time for the current day. To support the safety of our students, if your student is
not at school and has not been reported absent, our staff will attempt to reach you and your contacts to confirm their whereabouts.
If a student arrives late to school or needs to leave early, they must sign in/out. It is the responsibility of the student to make up
missed work.
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BUS TICKETS/ TRANSPORTATION
In most situations, eligibility for transportation is determined by the student’s home address or according to specific speciality program
enrolment. Questions regarding the eligibility for bus transportation may be directed to the Niagara Student Transportation Services
(NSTS) at 905-346-0290 or visit at www.nsts.ca
St. Catharines Transit Commission bus tickets may be purchased from the Main Office at lunch and after school. Ticket prices are
$2.50 per ride, sold in double-rides at $5.00. Payment can be made in cash. This fee is subject to change by the St. Catharines Transit
Commission.
SKATEBOARDS, LONGBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES & BIKES
As per District School Board of Niagara policy, skateboards, longboards and rollerblades are NOT permitted at school nor are they
permitted to be used anywhere on school property.
Continued violation of this safety rule may result in the confiscation of these items by administration. Students who ride their bikes
to school must store them in the bike rack outside. The school is not responsible for the security of bikes that are stored in the bike
rack outside so please ensure they are properly secured with an appropriate lock. Bikes MAY NOT be stored inside the school.
DRESS CODE
Everyone has their own unique style and aesthetic. We celebrate students’ individuality and respect their ability to express
themselves. Our only expectation is that all students come to school dressed appropriately for a learning environment.
When deciding clothing, we ask that all members of our school community are mindful of:
• Health and safety considerations
• The dignity and well-being of all students and staff (i.e. clothing that is free of inappropriate or discriminatory imagery or
wording).
MULTI SUBJECT INSTRUCTIONAL PERIOD (MSIP) ***not available semester one due to COVID
restrictions and scheduling procedures
At our school, student success is supported by a creative timetable structure that provides a mandatory one-hour (per day)
academic support for each student, each semester. The MSIP period may be used to:
• Complete work as instructed by classroom teachers
• Work quietly on individual homework or on assigned group work
• Complete missed tests, labs or in-class assignments
• Engage in workshops and presentations on academic and/or well-being learning topics designed by DSBN staff.
AGE OF MAJORITY
Students who have attained the age of 18 are treated as adults in the educational setting. Reports regarding attendance and
achievement are issued directly to the student and notes or phone calls from parents regarding absences are not required.
Additionally, parents should be aware that the automatic phone system for student absence does not call the homes of ‘age of
majority’ students. Students 18 years of age or older are permitted, and expected, to take responsibility for their attendance and
achievement. They may sign themselves out at the Attendance Office without parental permission. Students are reminded however,
that with age and privilege comes responsibility.
Being 18 does not mean that students can sign themselves in and out without reason. In addition, students are responsible for the
consequences of their decisions.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
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GSS promotes healthy lifestyles as described in the Ontario Curriculum and its expectations. Any action that is illegal in society is not
permitted in school. The possession and use of alcohol and/or drugs by all students while on Board property, school buses, and
while attending school and Board-sponsored events is strictly prohibited.
Students found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to progressive discipline. In striving to maintain a drug and alcohol-free
environment, our school will make use of a variety of means to ensure the safety of all.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION FOR GRADES 9-12
The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Teachers use assessment to gather information
about students’ strengths and needs as learners to assist in planning and evaluation to judge how well students are meeting the
Ontario Curriculum expectations.
As part of the assessment process, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback and coaching for improvement. Teachers
engage students in assessment and learning by helping all students develop their capacity to be independent, autonomous learners
who are able to set individual goals, monitor their own progress, determine next steps, and reflect on their thinking and learning.
Evaluation refers to the process of judging the quality of student learning based on established performance standards and assigning
a value to represent that quality. Students are responsible not only for their behaviour in the classroom and the school but also for
providing evidence of their achievement of the overall expectations within the time frame specified by the teacher, and in a form
approved by the teacher.
Students must understand that there will be consequences for not completing assignments for evaluation or for submitting those
assignments late (Growing Success, p. 43).
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LATE AND MISSED ASSIGNMENTS FOR
EVALUATION
Teachers will:
• Maintain ongoing and timely communication with students, parents/guardians and administrators
• Establish deadlines, in collaboration with students, for assignments for evaluation and clearly communicate those deadlines
to students, and, where appropriate, to parents/guardians
• Use appropriate strategies, based on their professional judgement, to help students provide the required evidence of their
learning
• Communicate with and return work in a reasonable timeframe to students
• Ensure the needs of students with exceptionalities are met, consistent with the strategies outlined in their Individual
Education Plans (IEP).
Students will:
• Be responsible for providing evidence of their achievement of the overall expectations within the timeframe specified by
the teacher, and in a form approved by the teacher
• Be encouraged to discuss assignments and issues with timelines with their teachers
• Understand that there will be consequences for not completing assignments for evaluation and/or for submitting those
assignments late.
DETERMINING A REPORT CARD GRADE
Before making a decision about the grade to be entered on the report card, teachers will consider:
• All individual evidence collected through observations, conversations, and student products
• Equity, by ensuring evaluation is completed whenever possible, with teacher supervision
• Assignments for evaluation must not include homework or practice opportunities
• Assignments for evaluation may involve group projects as long as each student’s work within the group project is evaluated
based on independent work and individual skills
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• The impact that missing or incomplete assignments will have on the student’s overall grade.
STUDENTS WITH SPARES
Students with spares are asked not to wander the halls. To avoid unnecessary disruptions to other classes, students with spares are
asked to go to the Learning Commons, the cafeteria or to leave the building. Students in Grades 9 and 10 are not permitted to have
spares.
HALLS
Students are expected to refrain from any behaviour which endangers personal safety or the safety of others. Among such behaviours
are pushing and shoving, horseplay, and running in the halls. Offensive or obscene language and profanity are also unacceptable.
With the exception of students requiring access to their lockers for legitimate reasons, the halls are out of bounds while classes are in
session. Students on spare are expected to work quietly in the designated areas.
CAFETERIA AND LUNCH HOUR *** Hours and expectations may vary due to COVID protocols
The cafeteria is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until after lunch. All students share the responsibility to keep it clean, and are expected to
cooperate by clearing their own garbage/litter from their tables by putting their trash in the appropriate receptacles.
Students may also each lunch in the Library at lunch time that will be teacher supervised.
Students may eat outdoors during nice weather providing that all litter is placed in the proper receptacles. Students are permitted to
eat in the halls on the first floor where there is teacher supervision. The second and third floor are out of bounds during the lunch
hour.
Students are expected to cooperate with the student leaders (i.e., Link Crew) and teachers who are on supervision duty in the cafeteria
each day.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are for all students, whether or not they are on a spare. All students present at an assembly must demonstrate respect
for our guest presenters by refraining from talking during a performance or a presentation. In keeping with our school rule, cell phones
may not be used during an assembly. In true “Simcoe” fashion, it is appropriate to show our appreciation for a presenter at the end
of any assembly with applause. In respect for our guest speakers/presenters, students are asked to remain in an assembly until it is
over.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Student involvement is an integral part of school life at Governor Simcoe. Students are encouraged to become involved in school
activities. Eligibility for a school team and/or club is maintained as long as:
a) during the playing season the student has a minimum of 3 semestered classes
b) the student has at least a 50% average, and,
c) is not encountering attendance and/or discipline problems.
School trips are available to students in good standing. The staff member in charge of the trip and the Principal and Vice-Principal
have the responsibility to exclude from the trip any student whose past poor behaviour and attitude make them a potential concern
on a trip.
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GUIDANCE SERVICES
WHO ARE WE?
Department Head: Ms. Atack
Guidance Counsellors: Mr. Tope, Ms. Atack
Guidance Secretary: Mrs. Hom
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily
WHAT DO WE DO?
The goals of the Guidance & Career Education Program are to assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to learn
effectively, live and work cooperatively and productively with a wide range of people, and set and pursue education and career
goals.
We look after a number of tasks within the school such as timetabling, university and college applications, graduation, career
planning, personal counselling, new student registration, maintenance of student records, liaison with feeder schools, and much
more. If you're not sure about something, the best place to start is Guidance!
ARRANGING AN APPOINTMENT *** Procedures may vary due to COVID restrictions
If you wish to see a Counsellor, please visit the Guidance Office and fully and neatly complete a request form. On the form, you will
be asked to provide us with your name, MSIP period, and the name of your MSIP teacher. Submit it to the Guidance Secretary when
you are done and we will arrange a convenient appointment for you. When you attend MSIP the next day, you will receive the
appointment slip from your MSIP teacher. While we prefer that you arrange an appointment in advance, we know that emergencies
do arise. Should you require immediate assistance, please come directly to the Guidance Office. If you require an appointment with
one of our support staff, please see the Guidance Secretary.
SIMCOE SUPPORT STAFF
Social Worker: Mr. Virag (Full-time Monday – Friday)
School Nurse: Nurse Joanne
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Our main way of communicating with you is through the morning announcements, so stay tuned each day in homeroom. On occasion,
we may come to your classes or invite you to assemblies and meetings where we will do presentations on various topics. Both inside
and outside the Guidance Office you will find a great deal of information posted on bulletin boards and the walls. Check this out on a
regular basis so that you are constantly aware of upcoming presentations and other happenings. You should also check out our
website by going to http://govsimcoe.dsbn.org/home and clicking on the Guidance link. There you will find the latest news, links,
events, and other important information
DSBN POLICIES: It is recommended that parents and students read the policies listed below. To view all District School Board of
Niagara policies, visit: www.dsbn.org/policies
• Safe Schools: Policy G-2,
• Use of Electronic Communication Devices by Students:
• G-26, Fees for Learning Materials and Activities:
• G-32, Concussions: G-36
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INCLEMENT WEATHER
There may be times during the school year where inclement weather or other situations could cause transportation cancellations or
school closures. At times, when student transportation has been cancelled and schools remain open, the decision to have student
attend school on that day rests with the parent or guardian.
EXAMS: If inclement weather occurs on exam days, detailed instructions will be provided for rescheduling.
Information about transportation cancellations and school closures will be available through the following channels:
• www.dsbn.org or www.nsts.ca
• DSBN Facebook or Twitter
• NSTS Transportation Delay or Cancellation Alerts
• Niagara Student Transportation Service
• 905-346-0290 Voice Auto Attendant
• Local radio and television stations.
COLLECTION OF FUNDS & PERMISSION FORMS
School Cash Online is a safe, reliable portal that will ensure the security of your information. School Cash Online, enables you to use
your debit or credit card to make quick and easy payments. Our school also uses School Cash Online to obtain permission for school
events.
To gain access to the system, simply click on the “School Cash” button which is located on our school website.
Parents that do not bank online are always welcome to come into the office to pay for items, and to sign permission forms.
VISITORS *** Policies may vary due to COVID restrictions
We want all visitors to feel welcome at our school. The procedures we have in place help us provide you with timely access to the
school and give our entire school community confidence that student safety is being maintained.
Once you enter the school, please report directly to the main office where our staff can assist you. There, you will sign in and receive
a visitor badge that identifies you as a trusted member of our community. At the end of your visit you will sign out at the office.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ***policies may vary due to COVID restrictions
At our school, we believe everyone has a contribution to make towards student success. We appreciate the support of volunteers
who offer their services to improve the education and lives of our students.
To ensure the safety of our students and the school community, the DSBN has created a helpful handbook to support our school
volunteers. If you are interested in becoming more involved with our school, please contact the office and our staff would be happy
to work through the process with you.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Our School Council provides a vital link between the school, parents and community. The council is made up of dedicated parent
volunteers interested in supporting student success. The council meets regularly throughout the school year and provides feedback
and supports programs to improve student achievement.
We encourage you to become involved. You may also find more information on our website (including meeting dates).
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SMOKING/VAPING
Smoking and vaping are NOT allowed in schools or within 20 meters of school grounds. Adults wishing to smoke or vape in public
areas must be at least 20 meters from school grounds.
BELONGINGS
Students who choose to bring personal items to school do so at their own risk and must accept responsibility for their care. We will
not be held responsible for damage, loss, or theft.
LOCKERS
At our school, students are assigned lockers. Students are expected to keep their personal belongings in their locker, clean it
regularly, and make sure locker doors are locked.
Lockers are the property of the DSBN and are used by students with permission of the school. Students are advised that the school
has the right to search lockers and remove locks, if necessary.
Where the school has concerns of possible criminal violations, the search may also include the Niagara Regional Police who may use
any of their investigative tools, including the trained canine unit.
PREVALENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS
If you have a student with a prevalent medical condition (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy or others) we want to make sure
we have a current Plan of Care to support your student.
All parents of students with prevalent medical conditions are asked to fill out the new Plan of Care and submit to the school.
You can download the forms here: dsbn.org/prevalent-medical-conditions.
For more information, please contact the school.
CONCUSSIONS
The DSBN has a concussion policy and procedures to support proper prevention, identification, management, and return to learn
strategies.
The DSBN engages in concussion education in a variety of ways, including recognizing Rowan’s Law Day commemorated on the last
Wednesday in September to raise awareness about concussions.
If your student has sustained a suspected or actual concussion while not at school, please contact the school, to make sure they are
aware.
FIRE DRILLS/EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS/ LOCKDOWNS
We are committed to maintaining our schools as safe places for all of our students. To create and maintain a culture of safety, we
practice both fire and lockdown procedures at several times during the school year. School staff work with students to ensure they
understand these procedures and feel comfortable acting should the circumstances ever warrant.
ONTARIO CURRICULUM
Click here to view the curriculum for your subject’s www.dsbn.org/secondary/curriculum
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special Education supports and programs are responsive to the strengths and needs of each student ensuring a successful learning
environment for all. Working together and collaborating with parents as a team to support our students is essential to achieving
success. For more information please contact your student’s Special Education resource teacher.
INDIGENOUS SELF-ID
The DSBN provides programs and measures to support all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. All First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
students have the right to voluntarily self-identify so that they may receive supportive programming and instructional practices that
better serve their learning needs. The first such measure in recognizing this right is to establish self-identification procedures to
identify, collect, and aggregate student achievement data for students.
Who Can Identify?
Any student of Indigenous ancestry, First Nations (Status, Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit can identify. This process is completely
voluntary and confidential, and no proof of ancestry is needed.
How is the Data Collected?
Students can identify by filling in the student registration form or the student information update form any time during the school
year.
What if I Do Not Wish to Participate?
Students and/or Parents/Guardians who do not wish to participate will not check off any box. The self-identification will remain
open to all who attend the DSBN. You can activate self-identification at any time by requesting a student registration form or self-
identification postcard from the main office.
For further information email: Indigenous@dsbn.org or call Indigenous Consultants at: 905-641-2929
K-8 ext. 52246, 9-12 ext. 52317
https://www.dsbn.org/indigenous-education/
FIELD TRIPS/EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Field trips and experiential learning provide your student the opportunity to learn outside of their classroom. When planning these
experiences, we consider curriculum connections, safety of students and accessibility for all. We will work together to address any
barriers to your student’s participation.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING
To enhance the learning and empowerment of our students and maintain an effective and safe electronic learning environment, the
DSBN requires that all students follow the rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Education.
REPORT CARDS/PARENT & TEACHER MEETINGS
Each semester, there are three reporting periods: progress report, mid-term report and final report. After the progress report,
parents can meet with their student’s teacher.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
DSBN schools strive to help students develop integrity, a strong work ethic, learning skills and work habits needed for success
beyond school. Academic integrity means that students complete their own work, ask the teacher questions if they are unsure, and
use proper citations when using another person’s work for reference.
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Plagiarism is when students claim that schoolwork they have submitted is theirs, even when a part or all of it has been taken from an
uncredited source.
Some examples are:
• Using a sentence word for word without citing the source
• Using diagrams, charts, graphics, without citing the source
• Submitting work by another person and claiming it as your own
• Paraphrasing without citing the source
• Copying and pasting from the internet
What is a Proper Citation?
A citation is when the student gives credit by including the name of the author, title of source, and location of the original source. An
example is, “Trudeau, J. 2019. Statement by the Prime Minister on Earth Day. Accessed from:
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/ speeches”
CONSEQUENCES
Consequences for academic dishonesty are considered on a case-by-case basis. Teachers use their professional judgment in cases of
suspected academic dishonesty. Consequences may include one or more of the following:
• Redoing part or all of an assignment
• Completing an alternative assignment
• A loss of marks
• A mark of zero
• Suspension
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HOURS
Every student who begins secondary school in Ontario is required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement to
receive their diploma. This requirement encourages students to develop an understanding of the various roles they can play in their
communities and to help them develop a greater sense of belonging within their communities.
Talk to Guidance to learn more about how to earn and track your hours.
HONOUR ROLL
DSBN secondary schools value the commitment and hard work of all our students. The honour roll is one way that students can be
recognized for their academic accomplishments. Students in all pathways will be considered for the honour roll if they have an
average of 80% on their top eight courses for the school year. Grade twelve academic achievement is honoured through graduation
awards.
Please note the following:
Summer School:
• Grade 9 - Summer school courses taken the summer before and the summer after grade 9 are included.
• Grades 10 & 11- Summer school courses taken the summer after each grade are included.
E-Learning, Night School & Alternative Pathways Program
• All courses included
Cooperative Education (Double Credit)
• Weighted according to the number of credits.
Students taking Resource & Student Success Periods (Spare in Grade 11)
• Minimum credits to be adjusted.
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Specialized School to Community
• Include when integrated at principal’s discretion
Students with unusual circumstances (e.g. Instructional Outreach, Supervised Alternative Learning)
• Minimum credits adjusted at principal’s discretion
GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
To graduate with your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) you need 30 credits: 18 Compulsory and 12 Elective.
• English: 4 courses
• Math: 3 courses
• Science: 2 courses
• French as a Second Language: 1 course
• Canadian Geography: 1 course
• Canadian History: 1 course
• The Arts: 1 course
• Health and Physical Education: 1 course
• Civics: .5
• Careers: .5
PLUS ONE CREDIT FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS:
• 1 Group 1: additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native language, or a classical or an international
language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative
education.
• 1 Group 2: additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or French as a second language, or
cooperative education.
• 1 Group 3: additional credit in Science (Grade 11 or 12), or technological education, or French as a second language, or computer
studies, or cooperative education.
IN ADDITION, STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE:
• 40 Hours Community Service (completed over 4 years)
• The provincial literacy requirement – OSSLT
MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING SCHOOL SUPPORTS
Mental health and well-being is an important factor in student success. Learning to form healthy relationships, maintain physical
health, academic engagement, and educational achievement are all impacted by mental health and well-being.
Students mental health and well-being is supported in many ways:
• Helping students feel safe and included
• Instilling a sense of belonging and connectedness
• Working with them to feel confident in their identity
There may be times where the challenges of school and life lead students to feel overwhelmed. Every student has access to a
comprehensive support system to help them succeed. It starts with anyone in the DSBN that students identify as a caring adult.
To learn more visit:
https://www.dsbn.org/well-being
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MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
KIDS HELP PHONE
Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, they’re there to listen. No judgment, totally private,
24/7.
• Call 1-800-668-6868
• Text CONNECT to 686868
• Live chat and explore resources at www.kidshelpphone.ca
ANXIETY CANADA YOUTH
You are not alone! Many teens experience difficulties with anxiety. There are lots of things that you can do to take charge of your
anxiety for good.
• Visit www.youth.anxietycanada.com
• Download the MindShift CBT app
PATHSTONE MENTAL HEALTH
NEED HELP NOW?
Call 1-800-263-4944
Youth up to age 17 may visit the HERE AND NOW CLINIC at:
• 1338 Fourth Ave. in St. Catharines
Open Mondays to Thursdays 9am - 7pm
Fridays 9am - 4pm
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) – NIAGARA BRANCH
If you’re age 16 or older, you may visit the CMHA Adult Walk-In Clinic at:
• 1338 Fourth Ave. in St. Catharines Open Tuesdays 11:30am-5:30pm
LGBTQ+ YOUTH LINE
A confidential, safe, and judgment-free place to talk for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth.
• Call 1-800-268-9688
• Text 647-694-4275
• Live chat and explore resources at www.youthline.ca
TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG
This website is designed to share information about teen mental health and provide resources that can help you understand your
mental health and help those you care about.
• Start by visiting www.teenmentalhealth.org/learn
CODE OF CONDUCT
District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) believes that a school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and
academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school
community feel safe, included, accepted, and agree that it is the responsibility of all individuals to actively contribute to a positive
school climate.
The DSBN believes that to foster a positive school climate that supports student achievement and well-being, a focus should be on
prevention and early intervention strategies to address inappropriate behaviour. These standards of behaviour apply whether on
school property, on school busses, or other transportation means supplied by DSBN, at school-related events or activities or in any
other circumstance that could have an impact on the school climate.
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The provincial Code of Conduct outlined in PPM 128, revised October 17, 2018, sets clear provincial standards of behaviour.
According to PPM 128, the following responsibilities are outlined to support a collaborative ownership of the code of conduct.
All DSBN schools will have a link to policy G-08: Code of Conduct for Schools on their website and if applicable, in their school
agendas.
PURPOSES OF THE CODE
Subsection 301(1) of Part XIII of the Education Act states that “the Minister may establish a code of conduct governing the behaviour
of all persons in schools”. Subsection 301(2) sets out the purposes of this provincial code of conduct, as follows:
• To ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and
dignity
• To promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community
• To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility
• To encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict
• To promote the safety of people in the schools
• To discourage the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and, except by a medical cannabis user, cannabis
• To prevent bullying in schools
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship. All members of the school community must:
• Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity
• Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions
• Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement
• Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability
• Respect the rights of others
• Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
• Take appropriate measures to help those in need
• Seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
• Respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority
• Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching
• Not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
SAFETY
All members of the school community must not:
• Engage in bullying behaviours
• Commit sexual assault
• Traffic in weapons or illegal drugs
• Give alcohol or cannabis to a minor
• Commit robbery
• Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
• Use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
• Cause injury to any person with an object
• Be in possession of, or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis (unless the individual has been authorized to use cannabis
for medical purposes), and illegal drugs
• Provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, or cannabis (unless the recipient is an individual who has been authorized to use
cannabis for medical purposes)
• Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
14Secondary Student Handbook
• Engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
• Commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the
school
TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL STAFF
Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff maintain a positive learning environment and are expected
to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, teachers and other school staff
uphold these high standards when they:
• Help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self-worth
• Empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community
• Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Under the direction of DSBN, school administrators take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this
leadership by:
• Demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive,
and accepting learning environment
• Holding everyone under their authority accountable for their own behaviour and actions
• Empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community
• Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community
• Maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students
• Demonstrating respect for one another, all students, parents, volunteers, and other members of the school community
• Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship
STUDENTS
Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the
responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when students:
• Come to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn
• Show respect for themselves, and for others, and for those in positions of authority
• Refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others
• Follow the established rules and take responsibility for their own actions
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Parents/Guardians play an important role in the education of their students and can support the efforts of school staff in
maintaining a safe, inclusive accepting, and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents/Guardians fulfill their role
when they:
• Are engaged in their student’s schoolwork and progress
• Communicate regularly with the school
• Help their student be appropriately dressed and prepared for school
• Ensure that their student attends school regularly and on time
• Promptly report to the school their student’s absence or late arrival
• Become familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the DSBN Code of Conduct, and, if applicable, the school’s Code of
Conduct
• Encourage and assist their student in following the rules of behaviour
• Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their student
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Through outreach, existing partnerships may be enhanced and new partnerships with community-based service
providers and members of the community (e.g., Elders, Senators, Knowledge Keepers) may also be created. Community-based
service providers and resources that boards can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs are valuable contributors to our
students’ education and success. Protocols are effective ways of establishing linkages between boards and community-based service
providers and of formalizing the relationship between them. These partnerships must respect all applicable collective agreements.
POLICE
The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safer. The police investigate incidents in
accordance with the protocol developed with the DSBN. These protocols are based on the Provincial Model for a Local Police/School
Board Protocol, 2015, developed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of Education.
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